The History of The Drewe Arms

Originally known as The Druid Arms the name was changed in the 1920’s when the Drewe family had the Sir Edwin Lutyen’s (1869 - 1944) designed Castle Drogo built. The Drewe family persuaded the brewery to change the name and offered to buy the sign with the family coat of arms, which stands outside the pub today.

Some believe that the Drews part of Drewsteignton came from the early Druid settlers, literally "the Druids on the River Teign". This would tie in with the pub name, however, records show that in 1275 it was mentioned as "Teyngton Drue". It is also said that during the reign of Henry II and Richard I, the manor at Drewsteignton was held by Drogo, also known as Drewe de Teignton

The pub was taken over by Ernest and Mabel Mudge in 1919 and after Ernest’s death Mabel continued to run The Drewe alone.

Mabel eventually retired in 1994 at the age of 99, after seventy five years. She was reputed to be the oldest landlady in the country. Many of her relatives still live in the village today.

For a short spell the pub was run by the villagers.